Determinants of Overall Perception of Radiation Safety Among Radiologic Technologists

To examine the determinants of radiation safety culture among radiologic technologists in the United States. The specific aims were to report descriptive statistics related to radiation safety culture determinants and examine relationships between specific determinants of radiation safety culture and overall perception of radiation safety (OPRS).

Radiologic technologists working in radiography, mammography, and computed tomography were identified using the American Society of Radiologic Technologists membership database. The researcher implemented a quantitative cross-sectional design using the Radiation Actions and Dimensions of Radiation Safety (RADS) survey instrument, which contained the study's determinants and OPRS variable, to guide hypotheses testing. Descriptive statistics were used to report RADS survey item outcomes, and Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression tests were conducted to analyze the hypothesis.

A total of 425 radiologic technologists completed the survey. Ten variables significantly correlated with OPRS. The variables of leadership actions (β = .402; P < .001), teamwork across imaging stakeholders (β = .304; P = .011), organizational learning (β = .121; P = .007), and questioning attitude (β = .110; P = .001) predicted OPRS, with leadership actions being most important in the model.

The correlation between OPRS scores and the 10 determinants suggests that each variable is a relevant determinant of radiation safety culture among radiologic technologists in the United States. The outcomes establish key priorities and provide an actionable foundation to facilitate a positive radiation safety culture in medical imaging.

The study presented a unique examination of OPRS determinants among American radiologic technologists. Findings can be used to support clinically-oriented interventions in improving radiation safety culture.